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Monday, September 17, 2007

Just a quick update - Cali texted me this morning when she got to school and she did make the school play! Yeah! They will be doing Sideways Stories from Wayside School. It is based on a popular children's book. The bad news is now Tessa will not only have to take the bus to school but she will have to take it home also since Cali will have rehearsal - welcome to the real world of being a freshman Tessa!

Sunday, September 16, 2007

It definitely felt more like fall around here this week, cooler, overcast days, a few drizzles here and there and the leaves are changing color. The girls are also immersed in school and homework.

This week was a bit stressful for Cali as she had auditions for Cantores and for the fall play. Good news - she made Cantores (this is the "elite" singing group at school) despite the fact that she thought her audition was on Friday afternoon but it was really Thursday afternoon. The music teacher called to see where she was (she was studying at a friend's house). I called her quickly and told her to get down to the school. So despite the rush, not being prepared mentally or vocally she did great. The downside of it is she now has to be at school at 6:50 ever morning and Tessa will have to now take the bus to school! The had 100 kids audition for the fall play and Cali made call backs on Friday along with 22 other girls. We will know for sure on Monday if she is in the show or not.

Tuesday morning I went over to my friend Jane's house. Her mom, (Louise Eddy) who is a great cook, was in town visiting. I had heard Jane rave about her mom's scones so I asked if I could come over and get a scone making lesson from her mom. She showed me how to make some yummy cream scones and devonshire cream. I learned a couple of great cooking tips from her too - always put your ingredients away after you have added it too the bowl - that way if you get interrupted you won't forget whether you have put it in the bowl already or not - I have done that so many times! Also - spoon your flour into the measuring cup - don't scoop. You can get up to 2 Tbsp. more flour than you need if you scoop instead of spoon.

I made the scones for breakfast this morning and the girls and Jim loved them. They are made with OJ and craisinets. I think at the holidays I will make them with a little eggnog, nutmeg, white chocolate chips and craisinets - doesn't that sound yummy! Check below for the recipe and pics of what they look like. Of course you must serve them with "Mock" devonshire cream and homemade raspberry jam!

Tessa was back to dance this week. Fortunately I have a carpool to share the load. Tuesday and Thursday we leave at 5:00 and are home from dance by 9:00 p.m. Saturdays dance goes from 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Thursday night I tried out a new yummy recipe for a Chinese Chicken Salad because Jim had a Primary teacher's dinner and you were suppose to bring something. Well he showed up with the beautiful salad I had made to find out the activity was actually on Friday night - not Thursday. We had already eaten at home by the time he got back so we shared the salad with some neighbors!

Friday I went to Salem for the day with American Mothers. We had a meeting at the State Capitol in the Governor's office with one of his assistants and then a board meeting/lunch afterwards. Of course no trip home from Salem is complete with out a stop at Harry & David's at the outlet mall! Love that onion and pepper relish!!

Friday night Jim and I started our ballroom dancing class which is taught by a member of our stake at the Sunset Athletic Club. It is a six week course for $25 so I figured we didn't have much to lose. We are learning the Salsa. We actually didn't embarass ourselves too much and had fun. We'll keep you posted on how we do ! After class we stopped by the "real" Primary Dinner (I didn't take anything as we had already eaten) and had fun visiting with people.

Cali had a group date Friday night where they played laser tag.

Cali started a ballroom dance class (taught by the same lady) Saturday morning - she is learning the Samba. After her class and Tessa's dance class we headed out to shop for a Homecoming dress. Cali doesn't have a date yet but we are trying to be prepared and optimistic. We struck out so I think we will be making a trip to the fabric store on Monday and I may be making a dress.! Finding a modest dress is next to impossible!

Saturday night there was a Multi-Stake Priest/Laurel Activity. They did a Speed Dating activity and then had a dance. Cali had a good time and met a few new boys. (maybe possible Homecoming dates?) Tessa babysat for a family. We don't see much of Tessa these days as she spends all of her free time reading - she is addicted to the Twilight - New Moon - Eclipse series and is on the 3rd book. She can be found snuggled under her covers in bed reading!

Saturday night Jim and I went with another couple to watch the Vaux Swift bird's. It is quite a sight! I guess this happens each September here in Portland - tens of thousands of these little black birds stop by Chapman Elementary School in NW Portland as they migrate down to Central America. Each evening at sunset they literally "funnel" into the chimney of the school. Hundreds of people gather on the lawn of the school to watch the sight. While we were there I took a photo on my phone and sent it to Logan along with a message "This is what old people do on Saturday nights! Watch birds fly into a chimney" Afterwards we wandered around NW 23rd and had yogurt.

This morning, Sunday, we were awakened by the phone at 6:30 a.m. It was Horizon airlines calling to tell us that Jim's flight today from Boise to Idaho Falls had been cancelled. Jim got up to call the airline to find out what to do and after a 40 minute wait on hold was told it was just a computer glitch and his flight wasn't cancelled. He left Sacrament meeting early to head to the airport. He will be in Idaho Falls Monday and Tuesday on business and is looking foward to spending some time with his parents.

Boy Update: (meaning Logan and Clark, not Cali's date prospects) Both were called as counselors in their ward's Elder's Quorum Presidency and seem to be enjoying their classes. Clark is playing on a flag football team and is busy studying Physical Science. If he passes the test at a certain level he can not go to class the rest of the semester. Logan is busy writing articles for the Daily Universe. You can read his articles at http://www.newsnet.byu.edu/. He has the Campus beat so writes about the different club and organizations. The YA's are also busy getting ready to perform at Homecoming Spectacular. Still no dates for Clark..... Thanks to Emily for inviting them over to watch the BYU game and feeding them!

For those who may want to enjoy a little English Team Time - these scones are wonderful!

Cream Scones by Louise Eddy

2 cups flour

1/4 tsp. soda

2 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. Sugar

Mix dry ingredients

Cut into dry ingredients -

1/2 cup cold butter, cut into little pieces

Add 1/4 cup whipping cream, 1/4 cup orange juice and 1 egg.

Mix all together. This will be somewhat dry - DO NOT ADD extra moisture. Use hands to combine but don't handle too much.

Form into an 8 inch flattened circle. Coat with a small amount of cream and sprinkle with sugar (coarse sugar works great). Cut into 8 wedges and place on cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-16 minutes.

Devonshire Cream

3 oz. cream cheese

2 Tbsp. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. vankilla

1/3 cup whip cream.

With hand mixer beat together well, it will thicken a bit and get fluffy. Chille one hour (I didn't and it was fine) Serve with jam or lemon curd with your scones. Enjoy! Let me know if you try it!